Quick facts for your vacation in Bosnia and Herzegovina

• Bosnia and Herzegovina is a versatile and safe destination with many beautiful sights.
• You can arrive by plane (Sarajevo, Banja Luka or Tuzla airport), bus or with your own car or camper.
• Well-known sights include the Mostar Bridge, Sarajevo and the Una National Park, which is particularly popular with nature lovers.
• The country can be explored flexibly by car or motorhome, there are various accommodation options available and the network of campsites continues to grow.
• Bosnia and Herzegovina is located between Serbia, Croatia and Montenegro. This means that the country can also be wonderfully integrated into a longer round trip through the Balkans.
• The Adriatic Sea also borders the land. The only access to the sea is near the town of Neum.
• A vacation in Bosnia is very cheap. The local currency is the convertible mark (KM) and the exchange rate is very easy to remember. You get about two KM for one euro.

Travel to Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a beautiful destination that is easily accessible in a variety of ways.

Traveling by plane is particularly convenient. There are direct flights from various German cities, including Berlin, Dortmund and Memmingen, to Sarajevo and other cities in the country. These flight connections offer a quick and uncomplicated way to reach the country.

For travelers who want to spend a little more time, there is also the option of travelling by bus. However, it should be noted that the journey takes around 14 hours, depending on where you start.

Those who prefer to travel flexibly and have the freedom to explore the country individually can also travel by car or camper. This makes it possible to travel off the beaten track and discover remote places. The roads in Bosnia and Herzegovina are mostly well developed, but there are also sections that are gravel roads. The roads can also be very narrow. It is important to follow the traffic rules and drive carefully. Police checks are not uncommon in the country. However, we have not yet had any bad experiences in this regard. In most cases, we were sent on our way as soon as they realized that we were on vacation in Bosnia.

No matter which way you choose to travel, the country awaits you with its breathtaking nature, rich history and hospitable people. Your vacation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is sure to be unforgettable.

Entry requirements

No special precautions are necessary for your vacation in Bosnia and Herzegovina. You can easily enter the country with your identity card or passport. You do not need a visa for stays of up to 3 months. You are allowed to stay in the country for 90 days within 180 days. The green insurance card is no longer required for your vehicle, but we still recommend that you have it with you.

Travel deals for your vacation in Bosnia

To make the most of your vacation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, there are various travel offers that will provide you with an unforgettable experience. From individual round trips to guided tours, you can choose the offer that best suits your interests and needs.

If you are planning an individual trip, we can recommend our travel guide for Bosnia and Herzegovina to your heart. We have now been traveling in the country for almost 8 months. This long time allowed us to discover not only the more well-known destinations, but also the smaller beauties of the country. We have now put our knowledge into 320 pages of this travel guide.

Cheyf.ba is also a great place to go, whether you are traveling through the country on your own or want to take a guided tour.
A special city tour through Sarajevo, a food tour through the untouristy district of Grbavica or a wine tour in Herzegovina. Kathi and Nermin are the perfect people to talk to. We have booked 2 tours through cheyf.ba so far and were very satisfied.

For adventure lovers, rafting and canoeing tours are offered on the rivers Vrbas, Neretva and Una. Here, you can experience adrenaline and fun as you raft through breathtaking gorges.

There are many more offers in the country, which would go beyond the scope of this article. If you are interested in something specific, please write it in the comments and we will try to help you as best we can.

Places of interest in Bosnia-Herzegovina

The pearl of the Balkans never ceases to amaze vacationers. So often we have met travelers who actually only wanted to stay for 2-3 days, but either stayed longer or came back. The expectations before the first vacation in Bosnia are very low, so that they are usually exceeded. It was exactly the same before our first trip.
Here are a few highlights that you shouldn’t miss during your stay:

1. The old town of Mostar

With its historic old town and UNESCO World Heritage Site, Mostar is certainly the most famous destination in the country. The city’s landmark is the famous “Stari Most” bridge. The Neretva lies just below and is spanned by the bridge. The sight of this architectural masterpiece from the Ottoman period is simply breathtaking. In the summer months, jumping competitions are held from the 20-metre-high bridge.

2. Capital Sarajevo

Sarajevo is full of history, culture and a lively atmosphere. Visit the old town, explore the numerous mosques and churches and immerse yourself in the moving past of this fascinating city. Sarajevo is particularly famous for the assassination of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, among other things. In addition to buildings from the Ottoman period, you can immerse yourself in the Austro-Hungarian era just a few meters away. As Sarajevo lies in a valley basin, you will find a number of beautiful places on the mountains around the city. The 98-metre-high Skakavac waterfall is a beautiful natural spectacle just 12 kilometers away.

3. Sutjeska National Park

Sutjeska National Park is a paradise for nature lovers. Here you will find impressive landscapes, majestic mountains, clear rivers and endless forests. An absolute highlight is the highest mountain in the country. The Maglić reaches a height of 2,386 meters. You will also find one of the last primeval forests in Europe here.

4. Dervish monastery in Blagaj

The dervish monastery in Blagaj, at the source of the river Buna, is a unique place that impresses visitors with its spiritual atmosphere and its breathtaking location at the foot of a cliff. Here you can enjoy the beauty of nature and immerse yourself in history.

5. Kravica waterfalls – particularly popular with locals and tourists

The Kravica waterfalls are a jewel and are now known beyond the borders. These impressive waterfalls cascade into a natural pool where you can swim and cool off. A perfect place to get away from it all and enjoy nature. But beware, it gets very crowded here in summer. There are around 200 waterfalls in the country, so there are also good alternatives that are less crowded.

6. Jahorina – Skiing fun during your vacation in Bosnia

Vacations in Bosnia and Herzegovina are also great in winter. The Jahorina ski resort is a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts. Perfectly groomed slopes, modern lifts and a picturesque mountain landscape await you here. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, you’re guaranteed to get your money’s worth here. Jahorina was also the venue for the 1984 Winter Olympics.

7. The royal city of Jajce

The former Knögis town of Jajce, together with its beautiful waterfall, is now also one of the most popular sights in the country. Alongside Sarajevo and Mostar, it may even be the most visited city in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Jajce and its beautiful waterfall are located directly at the confluence of the Pliva and Vrbas rivers.

These sights are just a small selection of what Bosnia and Herzegovina has to offer. The country has many more fascinating places waiting to be discovered by you. We will go into a few more highlights. However, you can find all the beauty of the country in detail in our travel guide.

Safety for your vacation in Bosnia

To get the most out of your trip, it’s important to take some basic safety precautions. Here are some tips to help you ensure your safety during your vacation in Bosnia.

Local laws and regulations

Always comply with the local laws and regulations of the country. Find out about the applicable rules before your trip and respect cultural differences. This will help you to move around the country respectfully and safely.

Stay in tourist areas

It is often recommended to stay in the tourist areas, especially in the big cities like Sarajevo and Mostar. However, we can clearly say that nobody needs to worry. Crime is limited to the usual petty crime such as pickpocketing, which you will find in every city. Even as a woman traveling alone, you need have no concerns in the country. So don’t worry too much in advance.

Valuables and car

We personally have not had any bad experiences in this regard. Nevertheless, always carry your valuables with you and keep an eye on them. It’s best not to leave any valuables in plain sight in the car to avoid theft. Park your car in safe and well-lit areas.

In 2011, I accidentally left my then relatively new Skoda Octavia open on the main road. Both front side windows were down and anyone could actually use them freely – but nothing happened.

Travel insurance

As in any other country, you should take out travel insurance before your vacation in Bosnia. This offers financial protection in the event of theft, loss or medical emergencies during your trip.

As soon as an area is designated as dangerous, you will see these signs.
The areas where it is dangerous have hardly any beauty, so there is no reason to enter them.

Conclusion for your trip through the Balkans

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a fascinating destination with a rich history, breathtaking landscapes and warm people. Whether you are interested in culture, nature, adventure, history or relaxation, here you will find everything you need for an unforgettable vacation. The diversity of the country makes it possible to satisfy different interests and preferences.

When planning your vacation in Bosnia, it is important to inform yourself about the local conditions. Observe the respective entry regulations, pay attention to possible seasonal peculiarities and find out about the current safety instructions. This will allow you to fully enjoy your vacation and avoid any potential inconveniences.

Discover the impressive sights such as the old town of Mostar, Sarajevo and the picturesque national parks of Sutjeska and Una. Be inspired by the unique culture and hospitality of the locals. Immerse yourself in the diverse nature with its mountains, lakes and rivers. Enjoy the delicious Bosnian cuisine and get to know the country’s diverse traditions.

A vacation in Bosnia and Herzegovina is currently still a real insider tip and suitable for anyone looking for a special experience.

FAQ

How do I get to Bosnia-Herzegovina?

You can reach the country by plane, bus or your own car. There are direct flights from various German cities to Sarajevo and other cities in the country. Alternatively, you can also travel by bus, although this will take longer. Another option is to travel by car. All you need to enter the country is an identity card or passport. The document must be valid for at least three months.

How safe is the country in the Balkans?

Bosnia and Herzegovina is a safe country to travel to, but as in any other country, travelers should take basic safety precautions. Comply with local laws and regulations and keep an eye on your valuables when walking around the big cities and do not leave valuables in plain sight in your car.

What are the road conditions like in the country?

Traveling by car or camper is a great way to discover Bosnia and Herzegovina. The roads are mostly well developed, but there are also sections that are gravel roads or have a few potholes. Don’t worry, the picture of the gravel road is not a classic main road. It is merely intended to illustrate that everyone can find a road that suits them.
It is important to observe the traffic rules and drive carefully, as there are very frequent police checks.